New York Gov. David Paterson has lost a top advisor to his struggling election bid for a full term in office.

(CNN) - New York Gov. David Paterson has lost a top advisor to his struggling election bid for a full term in office.

Tracy Sefl, a campaign strategist who is based in Washington, DC, announced Friday she is resigning her post because of "business" reasons.

"It has been a privilege to work for the governor over the past year," Sefl said in a statement. "My decision is a business one and I remain supportive and admiring of him and his agenda for the state. I wish him and his team - both at the campaign and inside the Executive Chamber - much success."

Asked by CNN if the decision may be a reflection of her belief Paterson's chances of reelection are low, Sefl said "that is a good question to ask others."

According to recent polls of New York State voters, Paterson lags nearly 40 points behind his likely primary opponent, Andrew Cuomo.

soundoff(45 Responses)

Tough times for the Dems. Those social programs don't create jobs, nor income, for Americans.

January 22, 2010 05:53 pm at 5:53 pm |

Matt

Uncool CNN the guy is Blind. He loses everything.

January 22, 2010 05:58 pm at 5:58 pm |

Libertarian

It's time for the Libertarians to arrive. Both Dems and Repubs are ONLY LOOKING OUT FOR THEMSELVES. We continue to flip flop back and forth putting these idiots in power and NOTHING GETS accomplished. Gridlock as they battle like whining kids on the playground. LIBERTARIANS UNITE and bring common sense to gov't!!!

January 22, 2010 06:05 pm at 6:05 pm |

Vietnam vet

We need to elect a Republican, enough bleeding heart liberals, Black or White. With a Democratic we will probably take in three million Hatians. Enough is enough, I have not had a job in 15 months. We need to take care of our own.

January 22, 2010 06:06 pm at 6:06 pm |

mjameslee

Gov. Paterson should not run again. He is a weak governor and would-be candidate. New York needs a strong leadership. The Democratic Party in NY must nominate a different candidate to ensure that New York remains blue.

January 22, 2010 06:10 pm at 6:10 pm |

Orange Curtain, CA

Headline "Big Dem Gov" ? Editor please fact check. Paterson was appointed due to the resignation of Spitzer. He is just an interim governor. How is that "bad" news and "big" in the party? CNN is owned by Fox now?

January 22, 2010 06:10 pm at 6:10 pm |

manuallabor

It might be that people are just getting sick and tired of ALL the corruption going on in Washington,,,and its BOTH parties.Americans are tired of not being represented,,,,,they are tired of endless government programs and wars that are failures and huge wastes of money.With the Supreme courts decision to strike down laws limiting corporate contributions, the American people have lost their voice in government,,,,More and more people will start abandoning BOTH parties as the truth has finally surfaced,,,BOTH parties are engaged in a conspiracy with corporate America against the people for control of the country and to rob it blind,,,,as far as I am concerned BOTH parties belong in the same company as THEY placed the Taliban,,,a threat to AMERICA. to support EITHER one is supporting the destruction of America.

January 22, 2010 06:12 pm at 6:12 pm |

Jay

She doesn't want to be a losing team. That would affect her ability to command top money for her services down the road. That is the meaning behind her "business" decision.

January 22, 2010 06:23 pm at 6:23 pm |

Michael

New York can do better than rehashing more past Liberal dems. New York's financial situation has been a result of liberal dems controlling the situation as is the same case in CA. Time to clean house and get a Financial responsible person or person in charge in both NY and CA. A person who can cut the social programs, excessive Union pension plans/ handouts and basically get back to the basics that made this country great.

January 22, 2010 06:47 pm at 6:47 pm |

Barbara Independent in NY

Patterson really shouldn't waste any money on this election. We want him gone. His only solution is to raise taxes. How about cleaning up the waste that we all know exists in our state government. He was recently seen meeting with a Hasidic group in Orange County, NY. How much does anyone want to bet that promises were made in exchange for this block of voters.

January 22, 2010 06:50 pm at 6:50 pm |

Todd

Told you, once America got a wiff of communism, you dems would be toast!

January 22, 2010 07:00 pm at 7:00 pm |

Chris

What Patterrson needs to emulate Nixon and Kissinger when they got on their knees in the oval office and prayed.

January 22, 2010 07:07 pm at 7:07 pm |

Steve (the real one)

Somebody made a great point. Y'all thought only republicans quit. Where is the outrage when a liberal quits? Make you wonder if it is hypocrisy!

If I had my way, he would be out now. He is running this state rith into the ground. With all the taxes we have and now he wants to add more.

January 22, 2010 07:59 pm at 7:59 pm |

DOBBS RETURNS

Patterson needs to step aside.

January 22, 2010 08:00 pm at 8:00 pm |

Mike

We had a Republican gov in NY for 8 years & all I remember is people & jobs heading South...

January 22, 2010 08:04 pm at 8:04 pm |

catmomtx

Is this a surprise? No. President Obama tried to tell him that how many months ago and people went crazy. It appears that the American people are inpatient and in no mood to give anyone a chance. In the end they will still probably not get what they are looking for but oh well. The American people will still get screwed.

The one thing I think about the MA election is that perhaps people will stop electing people to office just because of name recognition or because they have been in office for 30 years. It is way past time to get some new blood in Congress. Hopefully at the midterm elections both Democrats and Republicans who have been there forever and could care less about the American people will soon live amongst them. Cloakley took the people of MA for granted and didn't give it her all. Because of that she lost the election.Serves her right. Brown promises he will speak for the people. If he decides to walk lock step with Republicans in an effort to destroy the President then hopefully he won't be reelected. It will be nice to see people voting for the best candidate regardless of party. It would be nice though that after the election they give the person a fair chance to do what they were elected for. At least understanding that they can't go in and wave a magic wand and expect change to occur immediately.